Skoda Ireland has announced its national brand sponsorship of Cycling Ireland, the governing body of cycling in Ireland.
As part of the agreement Cycling Ireland will receive Skoda Octavia Combi (estate) vehicles that will support the organisation on the 2010/2011 cycling circuit.
According to Dr Phil Leigh, Director of High Performance with Cycling Ireland: "Skoda was a natural choice for Cycling Ireland.
"Skoda vehicles are renowned in cycling circles for their quality, durability and most importantly their reliability on big race days.
"They have been proven time and time again in the world's largest events such as the Tour de France and the Giro de Italia."
This has been a record breaking year for Skoda, which has achieved seventh position in the sales rankings and secured a 5.6% share of the Irish car market in the year to date.
The bestselling Skoda Octavia has proved hugely popular among Irish motorists with over 2,000 units sold this year; outselling heavy weights such as Mondeo, Astra and Corolla.
All Skoda vehicles pack generous luggage space and bike transporting solutions and accessories, which are attractive to cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
Commenting on the sponsorship announcement, Raymond Leddy, Skoda Marketing Manager, said: "We are hugely impressed with the level of work by Cycling Ireland that has provided the sport over a very short period of time.
"From its development of cycling amongst the junior ranks to its management of their high performance squad, Ireland continues to produce more and more top cyclists."
Building on the brand's association with cycling across Europe, Skoda Auto is the official partner of the famous Tour de France and also a member of the prestigious Club Tour de France.
Skoda has signed a contract with Tour de France until 2013.
